Alabama football’s Kalen DeBoer talks South Carolina win, penalties and aggressive playcalls

Alabama football survived on Saturday. Despite suffering from many of the same issues that plagued the Crimson Tide in its loss to Vanderbilt last week, UA hung on for a 27-25 win over South Carolina, preserved by a Domani Jackson interception.

Alabama moved to 5-1 on the season, 2-1 in SEC play with the loss. The Tide travels to Knoxville to face Tennessee next Saturday.

After the game, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke to reporters. Here are the highlights from his postgame press conference.

Follow along here for live updates once DeBoer takes the microphone.

— DeBoer notes how close the game was. Says Tide has become accustomed to tight contests. Is proud of how team responded to Vanderbilt loss early in the week.

— Says Alabama knew South Carolina would be tough coming in. Says Crimson Tide did well having balanced attack “most of the time.” Notes that pressing ball down the field at end of first half backfired.

— Praises Tide’s ability to force turnovers and put pressure on the quarterback. Says he’s proud of Alabama’s fight.

— Asked about what went into Germie Bernard’s touchdown play call, and whether they thought about having Bernard go down before the end zone to run clock out. Says Tide was on edge of field goal run, and there were lots of safe options on play, and South Carolina was aggressive for those. Credits Milroe and Bernard for making throw and catch on deeper option.

— Asked about the fourth-and-one early in the game. Says he’s confident analytics said to go for it. Said Tide was confident in the play and did well to execute the play.

— Asked about the choice to call timeout with 11 seconds left in first half. DeBoer says he trusts Alabama’s players, hoped to have a play to throw it in the end zone late. Says he’s “always just aggressive that way,” but the points South Carolina scored hurt UA. Says Alabama has to learn from situation.

— Asked about Domani Jackson’s toughness after an injury early to get interception late. Says Jackson has had excellent season thus far. Praises Jackson’s execution on pick that sealed game.

— Asked about the penalties and what it will take to clean them up. DeBoer says Alabama strives for zero penalties. Says every situation is a learning opportunity for the Tide. Says small things add up to lead to close game.

— Question is on Alabama’s third-down defensive struggles. Points out most of South Carolina’s conversions came in single drive. Says that drive made it harder for Crimson Tide the rest of the game. Notes need to be better in “middle eight.”

— Asked about having Bernard go down at the one. Says Tide will talk with Bernard and Jackson about situational awareness, says it’s another learning opportunity for Alabama. Says he’ll continue to teach and coach the team.

— DeBoer is asked about South Carolina’s long drive and if it was similar to Vanderbilt’s approach. Says both teams are build to be able to do that against defenses, to convert short third downs and keep drives alive. Says it’s frustrating and wears on defense when the long drives occur.